That was a far more exciting game than Friday
night against Buffalo and, with the exception of a brief lapse in the
second period, the Habs were full value. But, as the RDS guys pointed
out, the two quick Ottawa goals were the result of individual errors
rather than of poor team play. For the most part we dominated the
Senators, outshooting and outworking them in the second and third
periods and, suddenly facing a deficit of two goals, the team showed no
quit. Nor did Price wilt as he certainly would have last year.

I
love what I’m seeing so far from this team. I think that as a group
they learned a great deal from the playoff run. That experience showed
them how to play for each other, how to overcome obstacles, and how to
believe in themselves. They don’t quit, they stand up for each other,
and they never stop believing they can win.

Two facets of the game
that so far look vastly improved from last year: faceoffs and defensive
zone play. Last year we were usually under 50% on faceoffs, but the
addition of Halpern has pushed us well over that, and I think Plekanec
is also doing better on faceoffs this year. Winning more faceoffs makes
quite a difference in terms of puck possession. Also, we no longer
seem to be spending long stretches hemmed in our own zone. There are
still turnovers and mistakes of course, but for the most part we clear
the zone more efficiently than last year and move the puck up-ice more
purposefully. I’m seeing less dump-and-chase, more well-constructed
attacking. Jacques Martin said at the beginning of the season that last
year he concentrated heavily on defence because it was his first year
with the team and he wanted to ensure the players learned the system
thoroughly and were able to execute it well. It took a year, but it
might have worked. Our defence looks quite solid and the team is
playing a lot less passively than last year, particularly when
protecting a 1-goal lead. We no longer turn into a shell and let our
opponents pound our goaltender. This should translate into more
victories, particularly in close games, than last year. We started
2009-2010 with two OT wins. then, after the blowout in Vancouver, four
1-goal losses. I think that over the season we were among the league
leaders in 1-goal losses. Turning some of those into wins will
certainly help our playoff hopes.

AK46’s goal was the highlight of
the night but Plekanec’s, which he set up by driving hard to the net,
ran it a close second. We’ve only ever seen glimpses of the Kostitsyn
we’re seeing now – strong, intense, physical, going to the net, and
shooting the puck. Not only is he in better shape than last year, but
he must have done a lot of work on his defensive game. He backchecks
well and he is not beaten so regularly along the boards. It was great
to see him get the first star and then skate around offering pucks to
the fans.

I’m glad Gionta got a goal, and such a spectacular one, but we need to see more from that line.

299 Comments

O’Byrne is the 6’5″ white guy, #20. Subban is the 6’2″ black guy, #76. If you did not notice that the former was not in last nights lineup nor thatthe latter was, how do you expect people to take your comments seriously? Hamrlik is coming back from time off and no one can say Spacek had a good game but both goals they were on the ice for were scored by the Sens top line. Top lines will do that, score goals.

Wow…just watched the game (thanks to NHLtorrents.uk). Very exciting game, especially for how early on in the season it is. Andrei K. has found his game for the time being at least, and Pleks is on fire. The D was solid again, and even though Price looked a little shakey early, he made the big save at the big time (the 2 on 1) – something he was notorious for not doing last season. It was great to see Gionta get on the board as well. This team looks good, and all this without Markov! That’s the best part of it – we have a great player to insert into the lineup soon. No need to rush him back, but I can’t wait to see him on the ice again.

The NHL usually doesn’t have disciplinary hearings on the weekends, and the incident happened on Friday. Plus, the Rangers didn’t play this weekend, so they’ll still have a chance to suspend him tomorrow.

I seem to remember people getting all up in arms when Martin took Spezza to task for blowing defensive assignments. And judging from his 1.02 PPG career average, I think it’s safe to say that Martin didn’t ruin him

Not only do the Habs not have the cap space, but Bieksa is known for taking stupid penalties at stupid times. He’s aggressive, but more often than not he comes out as TOO aggressive and it always burns his team in the end…

They aren’t the same person so benching him can yield different results. It’s good for him to see the game from there.. the speed of the team, where he should be etc. I hope he’s learning and not just sitting there thinking about his next mistake.

Cammy plays for Montreal.. all EYES are on the Hockey’s Mecca City…theres more attention in Montreal then there is in any other hockey market. For sure they might miss a few things but in the city here – Everything is spottted. But I totally agree with you…

I have no issue with benching Eller in the 3rd, no need to put a guy in a position to fail, maybe I would like to seem him get some PP time but Pouliot has earned his pp time so far this year. As for O’B, he is 26 years old, there is no future for him, the ship has past for him imo.

You used to be a level headed poster, way back in your Rebel without a Cause days, but as of late you’ve become a bit of an annoyance. Give it up. You’re more about trying to retrace your steps and prove that you are/were right.

Still nothing intelligent. Well maybe someday. Say what you want about me, at least I talk hockey and present my reasoning and point of view. Your ignorant a** as well as Sask, Bill J, Stormy, FBK etc, just know how to critsize. Rarely anything original or insightful to refute what I am saying. You guys are a waste of time. Even though I disagree with them at times, guys like Seriousfan, Berkshire and TomNickle at least have knowledge of the game and present their views. When they disagree with me they explain why. I respect that. I think they’re biased at times, but they are pretty knowledgeable. You guys know nothing and offer nothing.

great comeback win. i thought for sure two goals in 24 secs price would fold like a cheap lawn chair but he held his ground after his team mates bailed him out getting even at 3. gomez has got to shoot more.tweek a few things like get the powerplay rolling and we ll be fine or finer.

First off, when I made the original post last December, the team had Price as the starter. That team would have never made the playoffs and that is pretty much undeniable. I was one of the first calling for Halak at that time to give us a chance. Everyone said no way, I was crazy, Price was the guy to get us to the playoffs etc. I’m sure you were one of those guys. I would look it up, but don’t care that much. I know Zep was totally against Halak taking over as the #1. Finally around the Olympics Halak forced JM’s hand and took over the #1 spot. He played awesome and the Habs still only got in by 1 point. So I think I was fairly accurate in saying that they had a big chance of missing the playoffs. I never stated they would miss them for sure. I was one of the few, who recognized that Halak was our only chance before Xmas.

As far as they could never beat Pitts and Wash. I was wrong. But it was impossible to predict the miracles Halak would perform. Even I, a big believer in the guy, didn’t think he could steal a series or two. If you losers say you would have believed that they would have beat the teams, you are liars. I also posted When Montreal got dominated in back to back games against the Flyers, late in the season (Subban’s first NHL games), that the Habs could never beat the Flyers in a 7 game series, because they were too small and one dimensional and couldn’t handle the Flyer’s physical game. You don’t bring that up you Hypocrites. Also Don’t even bring up Ian. You want me to pull up some of the things he’s said in the past? It’s not pretty. Even Eklund gets his s**t to stick from time to time.

My Heart predicted the Habs would be 3-2 (6 points) after five games, my Head said 2-3 (4 points). Reality proved otherwise: 3-1-1 (7 points). My Head is hung in shame. I’m giving it a chance to make amends.

I prefer a player like Scott Stevens. He wasn’t known for fighting. The big hit was his weapon. Even Larry Robinson rarely fought. Nobody dared really. Once he took on Schultz and the Broad Street Bullies. Well. Enough said about that. The bottom line is a team needs a few really tough SOB’s that can play hockey.

Hamrlik and Spacek have been brutal all year and especially last night. Also their combined cap hit is 9.3 million. They could easily be subbed in with some ufa defenceman. I hate to say it but Bergeron would be better than Hammerlick.

These guys get power play time and they cant shoot, dont score and are scary covering the points.

First off, the CBC opening opera intro was absolutely delightful. Best I’ve ever seen from’em.

First 30 minutes of the game, AK was goin strong but I thought my boy Poolio was the best Hab on the ice. And then…well…whatever.

The Kid is doing grrreat. Placed special attention on’m after 3rd goal. That was the moment. First adversity of the season. Saw him slightly boggled the puck behind his net a minute or two later and must admit to have been momentarily worried. But he took it in stride. Water off a duck’s back. Clamped down. Gave his team a chance to win. François Gagnon says that had that same situation happened to him last year, he woulda lost. Would tend to agree, even though not keen on predicting outcomes in alternate universes. That “maturity” thing must have somethin to do with it cuz dang, the Kid pulled it together. Halfway through the first 10-game analysis point, he’s seriously stacking the deck in his favour.

And after the last Senators’ goal, did you see Jack Marty’s motivational techniques on the bench? The way he just stared out on the ice not sayin nuthin and not lookin at nobody? Total zen. The players see that, they go zen too. Boom, we win. It WORKS. Boring and predictable friggin WORKS. Jack Marty rules. And the press conferences he gives afterwards? Hooof, don’t get me started. Thrilling. Thrilling, thrilling stuff.

Now, K Senior. It’s early. No one wants to go off half-cocked. But can it be? Will we finally see all his skills assembled within winning conditions? We want strong on forecheck, physical presence, vision, a rocket-wrister, and execution from’m and that’s what we’re getting. But there’s something else too. It looks like he might want to… uhh…”take over”. If Andrei Kostitsyn “takes over”?

God help us all.

And that’s all I gotta say.

Oh, except to say that we got some stright dope on Markov’s bionic knee at the Central if you wanna.

Submitted by ManApart on Sun, 10/17/2010 – 12:40.
They were dead on. montreal with Price in goal would never have made the playoffs like I stated. I used to say ad nauseum put Halak in goal as the starter and the Habs have a chance. Finally JM agreed and the rest is history.

Submitted by ZepFan2 on Sun, 10/17/2010 – 13:08.
“They were dead on.”
Considering you stated that Montreal wouldn’t make the play-offs, and if they did, they would never beat the, “Washington’s and Pittsburgh’s” of the NHL. I’d say you were not even in the same ballpark as Ian and he made you look like a punk.
About right!?
Psst, you never mentioned Price. Should saskhab re-post your drivel?
————————————————————————– “The Soft Parade has now begun. Listen to the engines hum.”
reply

Lack of size and a ton of competition for spots in the lineup, KHL offered him well over what he’d make in the AHL this season and he decided to take it. The Habs need guys with bulk on the top 6 right now not another under-6′ sniper.

I know that Spacek starts slow, but man has he done some stupid defensive plays. He was especially brutal against the Leafs and yesterday. He keeps doing the swiffer move which is a big no no for defensive men.

Impressive win by the Habs last night. They played a surprisingly super defensive game that helped Price who really wasn’t very good all night. The Pleks line looked like a real #1 NHL line. Dangerous everytime they were on the ice. A lot of character to come back from the 3-1 hole that they were in. To all those who didn’t want to keep Pleks this summer, calling him a little girl and wanting Lombardi instead, thank God Gauthier at least could recognise Pleks is their #1 player.

Last night was the first time I watched the habs since that embarressing lost to Toronto; but things have change, I dunno if its because Cammy is back, maybe the guys feel complete with him there because there was no way we should’ve lost to Toronto, but we can get them back in our own rink with chants up in the air of “Leeafs Suuuuck!” lol…

but when I was watching Tbay news; Thunder Bay Sports announced that the Leafs won the Stanley Cup for going 3-0-0. hehe crazy Leaf fans; cant wait for the Leafs crash but besides the stupid Laughs…

Carey Price looks to be on his game. Its kinda to early to say he is but the last 3 games hes been improving. What got into him?? I thought he would’ve been thrown to the wolves by now, after that aweful pre season. But I will be watching out for him (Carey Carey Carey!!)

The funny part is there will be more Habs fans than Isles fans in attendance and if the Isles fan start chanting “No Habs No” it’s just going to blend in with “Go Habs Go” and make it that much more louder.

– The heavyweight sluggers union noticed when Pens defenceman Deryk Engelland dropped one of the league’s true toughies, Colton Orr, the other night. Engelland, 28, who was born in Edmonton and played junior in Moose Jaw, isn’t even the Penguins’ beat cop; that’s Eric Godard’s job description. “He (Engelland) doesn’t just fight, he beats the crap out of people,” said Pens defenceman Ben Lovejoy.

– How is it that the Avs have the lowest payroll in the league and one of the game’s richest owners, Stan Kroenke? They will have to re-sign goalie Craig Anderson, a bargain at $1.8 million. He’ll be in the $4-million range.

– Colorado Avalanche centre Paul Stastny, one of the last wooden-stick holdouts, has given it up.

Markov’s difference from PK is he’s a lot better at reading when to pick those spots to move on the attack, he’s far less likely to be caught out of position, Subban’s had too much of an attack-first mentality, Markov is better at knowing when to hold back and play D.

Although I did not find last nights win a technical gem I did find it an encouraging one. After Montreal dominated the first part of the second period and the Ottawa scored on their first two shots of the period to make 3-1 I said OK let’s see what Carey has learned and this team is made of. Well Carey price seemed to grow in the net and it looked like he was saying thats it NO MORE TONIGHT and he shut the door. As for the team like JF said they seemed to have learned from last year that with hard work the goals will come and will the wins.

As for Kostitsyn HE is just flat out playing well. Driving to the net, going into corners and he has seemed to develop a defensive reponsibility. Whether is is not having to look after his little brother or realizing that he did not want to be traded either he has stepped up his approch to the game.

I really don’t understand what it is with you people…the team is playing well…we have kinks like EVERY other team in the league…yet still 90% of posts are people complaining about everything (mostly the coach)…

Listen I know it’s hard for a lot of you to understand but sitting a rookie with less than 20 NHL under his belt and who is -2 on the day when you are up by one goal is completely normal…it happens all the time…yet here with all of the geniuses who have won the cup in EA NHL 11 think they know what they are talking about when they dont…it’s funny/embarrassing to read many of the comments…

i agree that many people on here are a little ummmmm blind/misinformed/purebatshitcrazy…just like any other site like this one on the internet. Nothing to get riled up over, because if you do, they win.

Whats great in EA’s NHL is you always get the same effort on every shift…and your players get better all the time :p

I agree though, it’s easy to forget that we play against another team in different cities several times a week. It’s easy for us to comment on the unknown lives of all of our heros/zeros… but that’s the beauty of forums/blogs etc.

I don’t always agree with many and find that a lot of people forget how silly they look when they go to the extremes… its a game. And if you’ve ever played a game you know that there are way more variables than constants.

And Eller? Well that night there were probably 10 other rookies riding the pine during the game.. it comes with the territory.

CB – You are correct and i,ve stated that many times before, but if either of them did gamble say at the blueline Marky often wasn’t there to support them. It’s not Marky’s game and he’s not known for being fast.

I was working at the Molson Centre when Markov was earning his ice time… and believe me he left his partner out to ry a couple of times. He held the puck too long sometimes too… but he ALWAYS learned. Every game. And PK does also, did you hear his CBC on ice warmup interview… he put Elliot in his place! lol

The difference is our team truly sucked when Markov made his rookie debut… there was no spotlight on the team. Now, everybody’s watching and we have a target on our backs.

Like most nights, I watched the game on PVR (little fella plays hockey almost every night). AWESOME!

Great come back, and the perfect finish. I drafted Plecs in our office pool. Got him in the 6th round, that’s Brisk Baby!

When they fell behind 3-1 the first thing I said was “well we aren’t going 80-1-1 this season, hope the fans will be ok”.

People are starting to realize that goals will be scored apon us. That’s Hockey.

17040 fans watched the Panthers embarrass the Lighting, I never seen the game but I bet half those tickets were free and the other half were empty, but great job South Florida.

I see everyone is walking into Long Island and taking them for granted again. I’ll never understand that. They are still NHL players, you must play every team like it’s the last game of the season and you need the win.

I fully agree with JF’s insightful commentary on last night’s game as much as I was distressed by Martin’s quote in the Gazette article on Kostitsyn reborn commitment. When asked about AK46, Martin is quoted as saying

“I think it’s the last year of a contract, isn’t it?” Martin said

A very poor response! Martin’s new book is entitled “How to motivate your players”

I don’t pretend to be an expert; just a die-hard Habs fan passing my opinion

You’re taking the remark out of context. Martin was fulsome in his praise of AK46. It was only when asked to expl,ain the change that the coach offered the totally plausible theory that professional hockey is played for money. What’s the big deal?

I liked what I seen, they outshot and outworked a ottawa team. keep doing this guys and you’ll be playing come april 2010. I like how they’re playing attacking more this year when they have a lead. last year they would lay back and play defensive that’s why they lost a lot of one goal games, never lay back keep pushing the opposition and you’ll win a lot of games, great game “GO HABS GO”

Okay depressing outcomes for today’s kids, Louis Leblanc and Morgan Ellis each notched a goal and assist to give their respective clubs leads but both the MTL Juniors and CB Screaming Eagles squandered the leads and lost in late-game collapses. Leblanc is the only Top 20 scorer in the Q to play under 10 games I should point ot though.

At least there are some provocative people here. Try commenting on any of TSN’s posts. It’s like kids fighting over a toy. You actually feel dumber for reading too many. It may not be prefect, but its the lesser of SEVERAL evils.

(PS. not sure if this should have been a comment on the original post, but it followed a flow here) Olé, olé, olé oleé

I haven’t read many TSN posts. “You actually feel dumber…” Good one. I don’t get too worked up over the negative comments. I’ve learned to identify some of you who contribute the smart comments/questions…

1. KOSTITSYN. Is it just me or does Kostitsyn LOOK better? I mean a LOT better. As in NOT tired. And two dominant games in a row. He looks a bit like Malkin out there. He must be using Old Spice.

2. ELLER. Is it just me or does Eller look like a deer in the
headlights. Or is it a deer who was out at Chez Paris a bit too late the
night before? Will he survive with the big club until Christmas – yes or no?

3. MARTIN. Is it just me or is Martin actually sounding smart? Or just confusing? His point that he worked all last year on defense so now can work on offense seems either unbelievable and crazy or brilliant. I can’t decide. Can you?

4. HAMRLIK/SPACEK. Is it just me or are either of these guys drunk every third game? Who is more drunk more often?

5. PRICE. Is it just me or has Price been somewhere in the vicinity of pretty f-n awesome?

Is there any reason to doubt the sincerity of the puck toss? I don’t think so. This is what this team needs more of. Demonstrating your appreciation to the fans can only lead to more of the same, or better. Well done, AK!

3. Martin has to be smart to have lasted this long and coached 1200 games with a winning record.

4. No. They’re 36 years old and it takes a while to get going. Hell, look at their histories, the number of teams they.ve played with since the early 90s, the air miles they must have logged. They suffer from permanent jet lag, 5 o’clock shadows before noon, one of the biggest hits of their era was “I’m Too Sexy”, the Chevy Celebrity and Ford Escort were the top selling cars of the time…sheesh, give them a break, they’ve been through hell.

2. Too early to make judgements or predictions on him. He isn’t meant to be a critical part of the team this year anyway so as long as he learns and improves I won’t be concerned about him.

3. Confusing. Maybe those were his intended aspirations.

4. It’s not just you. They can play well when their minutes are managed but Spacek especially seems to get undressed or cough up the puck a lot in the early goings of this season.

5. Still a bit disconcerting the he let in 3 straight goals on the glove side. Really should’ve plugged that hole a bit earlier but thankfully a lucky goal by halpern spurred the habs come back. Otherwise he seems mentally tougher so far.

This team is looking amazing…we could have easily been 5-0…once markov comes back we should have 3 solid D lines. I’ve noticed Pouliot wasn’t as effective as he was when he played on the first line with gio and g-love….JM should put him back there but he probably won’t mess with his winning formula just yet.

1. KOSTITSYN looks like he is in better shape, frame of mind, and understands the significance of a contract year. When he is on, he is dominant and as good as any of the players we lament being passed over for him.

2. ELLER’s play including the exhibition season has ranged from peter forsberg to peter frampton. His upside, like Subban’s will be worth the growing pains and benchable offences in the long run.

3. MARTIN is an inflexible coach. Most of what he preaches however are solid hockey fundamentals, and the vets that are on the present roster preach the same discipline and fitness. Muller is there to provide the human aspects. Martin is The Count afterall

4. Every now I say to my wife, “drunk Hammerlik” is playing – he just looks off sometimes no balance and his cheeks huff and puff much more than the average night. Overall he a big part of the team and unfortunately cap hit. Spacek on the other hand is just so out of shape that NHL players can make him look like he is loaded. They will both be ok

5. PRICE has been excellent. Frankly, that was all I cared about seeing in the Leaf game, trusting that the other pieces were overall better than last year thanks to improved 3 and 4th line potential.

Maybe this has already been discussed, but I’m hoping that Boone or Stubbs or anyone can explain to me how Avery got away with nothing when he 2-handed Komisarek TWICE, the 2nd time bringing him down? Boone, Stubbs, at least you guys are in a position where you can ask the question? How do you explain it to Cammi? Isit because of Avery’s spotless record?

I’d say no..he started the year with a broken toe, has played 2 games, no points, -1, 2 pim, 2 shots and second least ice time on the team behind wade belak…but im sure its because barry trotz doesnt know how to handle young players…

Nice post buddy. I especially like the bits on the two coachs’ different styles, and Hamrlik huffing n puffing. Made me giggle. This begs the question: who would win in a titanic showdown between Hamr’s huffing and puffing and Spacek’s jiggly jowls?

A point about the 5 Questions below… talking about Kostitsyn I meant that he LOOKS better… as in his FACE looks better. He doesn’t look tired in the face.

Totally unrelated… I think the problem with our Power Play is that instead of building on last year they tried some experiments in the pre-season (it sucked there too) and now with some new players, even with PK doing a great job firing rockets, it’s a whole new arrangement. You’ve heard the expression “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”.

2) It’s definitely just you, he’s adjusting. As for the bar reference, in my opinion let’s just not BS about that crap. I’m tired of the assumptions that any time a player doesn’t light it up it’s because they were drunk at a strip club. It’s complete BS, and it takes less than your suggestion to start dumb rumours. Keep it to the facts SD.

3) Still not sold on Martin.

4) Just you.

5) He’s been unreal, one of the stories of the season for the whole NHL so far.

A lot of people on here seem to think that personal environment has nothing to do with performance. But I say it has everything. Sounds like the reason to me. I didn’t like JM’s comment “it’s a contract year”. Might as well have said “and he’s a selfish bastard”. Just stoopid.

I agree and brought it up in another thread. It was a cheap shot and inappropriate, especially when the player in question is one of his best. I don’t know about you, but it seems JM is a little perturbed that AK is doing so well. Can it be that JM likes his players to stay in the dog house? There is no doubt he plays favorites.

JM had several complimentary remarks for AK in his press briefing actually, he was asked why AK might be playing so well and just in an offhanded way to move on he said “contract year isn’t it?” it’s not like he’s a master of media manipulation like Burke and soaks it up, he wants it done with.

His relationship with AK can’t be that bad considering we never saw AK backcheck before JM showed up.

Crap like this will be used by posters in the coming months every time the Habs lose a game and someone wants to blame JM. There are a select few here who will file this one away and pull it out as “proof” of some JM slight or failure hoping the rest of us will forget about the actual situation. Sheesh!

I did agree that JM’s comment about AK wasn’t appropriate but we don’t know what he was asked exactly. This is what boone said this morning

“You’re taking the remark out of context. Martin was fulsome in his praise of AK46. It was only when asked to expl,ain the change that the coach offered the totally plausible theory that professional hockey is played for money. What’s the big deal?”

I doubt it’ll get brought up much. I’m not JM’s biggest fan, but I found the remark funny, which I think was his intent … it was a joke. A joke based on the evident fact that players always seem to find another gear in their contract year. I thought it was refreshing to see Jacques display a sense of humour. He’s always so “scowly penguin” on the bench making notes every time the opposition scores; I always wonder what he’s writing. I think it’s usually “LACES OUT” or something like that.

The notes? For his memoirs, titled “Bad Suit, Bad Hair, Badass: Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad”.

The comment is definitely humourous but it brought something else to mind. We sometimes forget that this is a professional league and not a high school divisional tournament. The number one reason these guys play is the money, It’s their livelyhood, supports their families, their lifestyles and the vast majority would be unable to earn anywhere near the cake they do on the outside world. The team, the crest, the cup, they all come down the list of priorities. So it’s a contract year you’re damned right the guy’s gonna step it up.

Punkster, you know I value your ideas, but if the comment was made in total just and after valid praise then it’s up to the JOURNALIST to put it in CONTEXT. It’s not up to us to say “oh that Jacques is such a kidder, I know he was smiling from ear to ear when he said that”. I agree people freak out here over nothing. But the way a coach talks about a player doesn’t have to be nothing. It should have been made clearer by the guy who is getting paid to report fairly and accurately to us.

If O’B had a tenth the talent of Spezza, he could survive any coach. Unfortunately, while he’s big, he’s marginally talented. He’d be having similar problems on any team.

Eller will be fine. He needed to be benched and he was. Now he’ll get himself unbenched, and take it from there. I’m sure he’s smart and has an understanding of what he does for a living, and how he should do it. You screw up, you pay. Then you learn and move on. Look at Price right now. It’s a learning curve.

Ten games from now, we may still be discussing Andrei. Or he may be back in the woodwork where he usually lurks. If he could get his act together, it would mean a lot for this team. But if the Leafs keep going the way they are, they’ll have an unbeaten season. It’s early days.

I wish Sergei were still in hamilton. I used to enjoy everyone calling for him to be brought up so he could score dozens of goals.

Oh, yeah, I don’t blame them at all. If I worked on contract, I’m sure I’d work my ass off in my own contract year too. Of course, I’m a workaholic and do that anyway, but still. From what I can tell by cursory internet research, the average length of an NHL career is four years. Obviously, the better players play longer (barring injury), but still, they have to make hay while the sun shines.

An interesting quiz I found its about the NHL Top Scorers/Team: East (2000s), brings back some old names, some good and some bad, lol Mariusz Czerkawski anyone?http://www.sporcle.com/games/Lauro/00scorers_east-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-

Anyone taken as an individual is tolerably sensible and reasonable — as a
member of a crowd, he at once becomes a blockhead.
—Friedrich Von Schiller

I heard Martin talking on the post game show on CJAD when he said AK was in a contract year – I took it as a joke since JM was in a good mood taking two wins from divisional rivals in sucessive nights…………

1) I haven’t noticed a HUGE difference in Kostitsyn. Meaning, I firmly believe he could disappear off the radar for the next 20 games nore easily than not.. Please note that I hope I am really wrong about this, and that he plays wicked hockey for the entire season.

2) Eller looks a little in-over-his-head sometimes, but no-one is pushing his spot. When he looks good, he looks very good, and I think he’ll figure out everything he needs to by Christmas. Look for a strong second-half by him.

3) It’s just you. Well, you plus all those people who give him the credit for Halak’s two miracle rounds in last year’s playoffs.

* Alex Kovalev visited Sens coach Cory Clouston’s doghouse after averaging 1:02 per shift over his 17:36 of ice time in a loss to Washington. Kovalev played 12:40 against Carolina the next game but still averaged 54 seconds. Apparently, the message isn’t getting through. If the Sens could trade him, they would.

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Pavelec suffered a concussion when he smacked his head off the ice and didn’t remember anything beyond the national anthem. Les Thrash was waiting for him to be cleared from the head injury before throwing him back in the crease. His fainting remains a mystery.

“I would like to tell you [what happened],” Pavelec told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from the hospital. “The last thing I remember was the lights going on after the [national] anthem. I don’t remember anything until I woke up in the ambulance and saw the doctor looking at me.”

It seems that every year we have a five or six day break early in the season. While it’s nice to be able to savour our back-to-back victories on the weekend, I think this long break could hurt us. We have some momentum going, and AK46, who seemed comatose through long stretches of last season, is fired up. What if the layoff breaks our momentum and sends AK46 back to sleep? No matter how hard you work in practice, it’s not the same as playing, and any team is likely to come out flat after a break. I hope it doesn’t take us more than about half a period on Thursday to get our rhythm and intensity back.

I think you need a better word than “fulsome” — it has a couple contradictory meanings: “excessivelyorinsincerelylavish” or “abundantorcopious.” When I first read your post, I automatically defaulted to the former